Page 21 of Give Me a Chance
“What’s up?” Noah asks, arriving a minute later, sinking into the brown leather booth.
“Oh, nothing. Just waiting on Matt to admit he broke his no-casual-sex rule with none other than our very own Natalie Barnett,” Connor says, making Noah wince.
“What’s that? The face you made?” I point at Noah’s face.
“How can I explain this to you...It’s as if you played your first ever basketball game, against LeBron.” I scoff, but he’s dead serious.
“What’re you talking about? It’s not like I’m a virgin.”
“Well, in a world of casual sex, you pretty much are,” Connor buts in, as if he hasn’t contributed enough. I should have realized Connor would know the second Rina knew. Rookie mistake.
“Look, all we’re saying, is that when it comes to those things, Natalie is a hall-of-famer, the G.O.A.T., if you will. While you, my dear friend, are a puppy in the area. So don’t take offense if we think she’ll chew you up and spit you out.”
“Hard to not take offense when you put it like that.”
“You know what we mean. You get attached.” Connor shrugs, and I guess I see their point.
“I get it...kind of. I still find it offensive.” I tip my bottle to them, making them laugh.
“How’s work going?” I turn to Noah. After working there for five years, I expected to miss it more. I don’t.
“Ahh, you know, same old, same old. Only been to the office once this week, so it was a good one.”
“How’s Gary doing?” Gary Williams is my previous boss.
“The same misogynistic piece of shit he was three weeks ago.” I wince. “Think I’ll be leaving soon, as well.” He’s been freelancing for a while, slowly building his portfolio so he could afford to be self-employed.
“Fuck. I’m glad I’m not around anymore.” He nods his head.
We drink a couple of beers, watch some basketball, and by 11 p.m., I’m in my bed. Perfect night out for a 32-year-old. The beers help me fall asleep without tension—unlike other nights when I’m doing my best not to jerk off to the memories of the woman driving me insane.
13
NATALIE
The BYC used to be my safe space. It was a place where I felt comfortable. These people were like my family.
They still are. With the one exception. The new, unwelcome addition to my family.
So, I pretend I don’t notice him.
Not even when he rolls up his sleeves, showcasing forearms that don’t belong in an office. Not even when he puts on his glasses after a long day at the computer. Yup, you heard me. Glasses! Of course, the glasses make him look like the sexy professor from my teenage wildest fantasies—which is highly unhelpful.
He’s still an ass.
I need to get him out of my system, I know that. Yesterday, I had a Tinder date with the same goal in mind. I suffered an hour of dull conversation on the count of his good looks, but when we went back to his place, I couldn’t get into it.
Rina and I sit down for lunch in the break room, spreading our food and drinks all over the tiny round table. I take the first bite of my prepackaged turkey sandwich when she asks about my date.
“How was yesterday?” Online dating can potentially be dangerous, so I take great precautions. Other than bringing my pepper spray, I text Rina my location every time I’m on a date in case something happens.
“Umm . . .It was fine.”
“Fine? I don’t think you’ve ever described anything as fine.” She’s right. I’m a descriptive, talkative person.
“Ok, you want to know the whole story? He was really hot. Had this bad boy look about him, and gorgeous, tattooed hands. And you know I’m a big fan of beautiful necklaces.” She chuckles, not one bit surprised with my comment.
“But the conversation was boring,” I continue. “He tried to be flirty and sexy, but it came off as boring. We came back to his place and made out for a bit before I called it quits.” She looks surprised.
